The '''Patriarchal Exarchate of Patmos''' consists of the entire '''Island of Patmos'''(Greek ''Πάτμος''), '''Leipso, Agathonesion and Arkioi''' and its constituent monasteries and churches, belonging to the [[Church of Constantinople]] under the Venerable Patriarchal and Synodical Act and Statute 1155/81. Patmos island is also referred to as the '''Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea''', since it is the island of ascetic austerity.

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The Patriarchal Exarch and Abbot of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian is His Grace Archimandrite Andipas Nikitaras.

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The '''Patriarchal Exarchate of Patmos''' consists of the entire Island of Patmos (Greek: ''Πάτμος''), Leipso, Agathonesion and Arkioi and its constituent monasteries and churches. The exarchate is under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Church of Constantinople]] in accordance with the Venerable Patriarchal and Synodical Act and Statute 1155/81. Patmos island is also referred to as the Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea, since it is the island of ascetic austerity and is a UNESCO World Heritage site <ref>UNESCO, World Heritage Site #942, webpage:[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/942 WHC-UNESCO-942]</ref>. The Patriarchal Exarch and Abbot of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian is His Grace Archimandrite [[Andipas (Nikitaras) of Patmos|Andipas Nikitaras]].

== History ==

== History ==

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Patmos is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese and is populated with [[church]]es and communities of Orthodox Christians. During the period of Roman rule, the island fell into a decline and the population decreased and the island became a place for banishing criminals or political and religious troublemakers.

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Patmos is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese and is populated with [[church]]es and communities of Orthodox Christians. During the period of Roman rule, the island fell into a decline. The population decreased, and the island became a place for banishing criminals or political and religious troublemakers.

In 95 AD, St. [[John the Theologian]] was sent into exile on the island as a religious ''troublemaker''. He remained on the island for eighteen months during which he lived in a cave below a known temple, at the time, dedicated to Diana. In this cave, he narrated a vision he was having of [[Jesus]] that is the [[Book of Revelation]] which describes the details of the [[Apocalypse]] but is more a description about the "the Church" - ''outside of time''. Revelation was also written as an exhortation to the Christian believers to stay true to their faith during the persecutions near the end of the first century.<ref>P. N. Tarazi, ''The New Testament - Introduction, Vol. 3 - Johannine Writings'', St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, Crestwood, New York, 2004 ISBN 0-88141-264-3</ref>

In 95 AD, St. [[John the Theologian]] was sent into exile on the island as a religious ''troublemaker''. He remained on the island for eighteen months during which he lived in a cave below a known temple, at the time, dedicated to Diana. In this cave, he narrated a vision he was having of [[Jesus]] that is the [[Book of Revelation]] which describes the details of the [[Apocalypse]] but is more a description about the "the Church" - ''outside of time''. Revelation was also written as an exhortation to the Christian believers to stay true to their faith during the persecutions near the end of the first century.<ref>P. N. Tarazi, ''The New Testament - Introduction, Vol. 3 - Johannine Writings'', St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, Crestwood, New York, 2004 ISBN 0-88141-264-3</ref>

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In 313 AD, Christianity was recognised by the Roman Empire and this also spread to the Dodecanesse. The empire of the Byzantium exercised control of Patmos and the other islands and by the 4th century the temple to Diana had been removed. Directly over this temple a church dedicated to St. John the Theologian was built but this was destroyed later between the 6th and 9th centuries during a series of raids by various Arab groups.

In 313 AD, Christianity was recognised by the Roman Empire and this also spread to the Dodecanesse. The empire of the Byzantium exercised control of Patmos and the other islands and by the 4th century the temple to Diana had been removed. Directly over this temple a church dedicated to St. John the Theologian was built but this was destroyed later between the 6th and 9th centuries during a series of raids by various Arab groups.

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The island remained deserted until 1088, when the Emperor granted Patmos to the monk Christodoulos. His intention was to establish a monastery and build this monastery over the remains of the little church built over the remains of a temple dedicated to Diana. The monastery, has since been in continuous operation for over 900 years.

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The island remained deserted until 1088, when the Emperor granted Patmos to the [[monk]] Christodoulos. His intention was to establish a [[monastery]] and build this monastery over the remains of the little church built over the remains of a temple dedicated to Diana. The monastery has since been in continuous operation for over 900 years.

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During the 11th and 12th centuries, the island of Patmos was also subject to raids by the Saracen and Norman pirates, which were the catalyst for the fortified walls surrounding the monastery giving it the modern day castle-like appearance. The small town (Chora) within the "castle" was probably established during the middle of the 17th century and has a labyrinth style street arrangement. <ref> Labyrinth style street designs are common on the islands purposely arranged to create a sence of confusion to pirates or threats intent on raiding the towns. </ref>

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During the 11th and 12th centuries, the island of Patmos was also subject to raids by Saracen and Norman pirates, which were the catalyst for building the fortified walls surrounding the monastery, giving it the modern day castle-like appearance. The small town (Chora) within the "castle" was probably established during the middle of the 17th century and has a labyrinth style street arrangement. <ref> Labyrinth style street designs are common on the islands purposely arranged to create a sense of confusion to pirates or threats intent on raiding the towns. </ref>

During the Turco-Italian War of 1912, Patmos was captured and controlled by the Italians. The island remained under their control until the end of World War II, when it was returned to Greece.

During the Turco-Italian War of 1912, Patmos was captured and controlled by the Italians. The island remained under their control until the end of World War II, when it was returned to Greece.

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The whole island is dominated by the two monasteries, built in his honour and memory, and Chora, the island’s historic center, are all declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 2006.

The whole island is dominated by the two monasteries, built in his honour and memory, and Chora, the island’s historic center, are all declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 2006.

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== The God-Trodden island ==

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=== The God-Trodden island ===

The tradition of the church holds, that the Lord himself stepped foot on the island of Patmos using the following account as reference:

The tradition of the church holds, that the Lord himself stepped foot on the island of Patmos using the following account as reference:

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To the church, this is the only location in Europe that God has walked making it the most sacred destination in Europe, followed by Mount Athos.

To the church, this is the only location in Europe that God has walked making it the most sacred destination in Europe, followed by Mount Athos.

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== Monastery of St. John the Theologian ==

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=== Folklore ===

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::''See Main Article: [[Monastery of St. John the Theologian (Patmos, Greece)]]''

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==== The ship that turned to stone ====

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According to popular belief, if one looks across the water from the Monastery of St. John on a clear day, it is possible to see a rock standing alone in the middle of the sea. The rock looks like an overturned ship with its keel facing up towards the sky.

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The '''Monastery of St. John the Theologian''' was founded 1088 AD by St. [[Christodoulos the Latrinos]], who had been granted the whole island of Patmos with a golden bull by the Emperor of Byzantium Alexis I Komninos. The monastery belongs to the Ecumenical Patriarchate; and is therefore a '''Patriarchal exarchate''' with a Patriarchal exarch, its abbot had special benefits.

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During the time that the righteous Christodoulos was building the monastery, a pirate ship approached the island with evil intentions. Christodoulos prayed to God to save the island from the pirates, since they had no place to hide to protect themselves. God answered his prayers by capsizing the ship and turning it to stone. The island was saved, and the ship that turned to stone is still around to remind us of this miracle

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The Monastery has ten chapels, four of which are located in its yard. In the Catholic of the monastery, there is a temple of unique art, created in 1829, by 12 sculptors.

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== See also ==

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=== The Monastery of St. John the Theologian ===

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''See Main Article: [[Monastery of St. John the Theologian (Patmos, Greece)]]''

<gallery>

<gallery>

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Image:PatmosEntIc.JPG|Monastery of St. John the Theologian - 1738 entrance with icon of St. John the Theologian and St. Chrysostom, founder of the monastery, both holding the monastery in their hands.

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Image:PatmosEntIc.JPG|<small>Monastery of St. John the Theologian - 1738 entrance with icon of St. John the Theologian and St. Chrysostom, founder of the monastery, both holding the monastery in their hands.</small>

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Image:PatmosPr.JPG|Monastery of St. John the Theologian - Monk praying with prayer rope

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Image:PatmosPr.JPG|<small>Monastery of St. John the Theologian - Monk praying with prayer rope</small>

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Image:PatmosCY.JPG|Monastery of St. John the Theologian - Courtyard outside the Museum and church

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Image:PatmosCY.JPG|<small>Monastery of St. John the Theologian - Courtyard outside the Museum and church</small>

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Image:PatmosBell.JPG|Monastery of St. John the Theologian - Byzantine Bell at the top of monastery

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Image:PatmosBell.JPG|<small>Monastery of St. John the Theologian - Byzantine Bell at the top of monastery</small>

</gallery>

</gallery>

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== Cave of the Apocalypse ==

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=== The Monastery Cave of the Apocalypse ===

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::''See Main Article: [[Cave of the Apocalypse]]''

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''See Main Article: [[Cave of the Apocalypse]]''

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The '''Cave of the Apocalypse''' is situated between Skala and Chora. This is where St. [[John the Theologian|John]] saw visions of ''fire and brimstone'' and dictated the [[Book of Revelation]] to his disciple [[Prochoros]]. A pilgrim can easily see the rock and exact location where the Book was written and also the indentation the Saint left where it is said, he would rest his head during his exile in that cave.

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<gallery>

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Image:PatmosRamp.JPG|<small>Monastery of the Apocalypse - Outside the Cave</small>

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Image:Patmos.JPG|<small>Monastery of the Apocalypse - Inside the Cave</small>

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Image:PatmosV.JPG|<small>Monastery of the Apocalypse - View of Patmos from inside the Cave</small>

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</gallery>

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The view from the cave and the mysticism of the atmosphere are incredible. There are 12th century wall paintings and icons from 1596 of St. John and the Blessed [[Christodoulos the Latrinos]] written by the Cretan painter [[Thomas Vathas]].

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=== Theological School of Patmos ===

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''See main article [[Theological School of Patmos]]''

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It is said the voice of God could be heard coming from the cleft of a rock that is still visible today. The rock is divided into three which is symbolic of the [[Holy Trinity]].

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=== The Baptistry of John===

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''See Main article [[Baptistry of John (Patmos)|Baptistry of John]] (located in the village of ''Skala'')

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<gallery>

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=== The Rock of Kynops ===

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Image:PatmosRamp.JPG|Monastery of the Apocalypse - Outside the Cave

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''See Main article [[Rock of Kynops (Patmos)|Rock of Kynops]] (located in the port of ''Skala'')

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Image:Patmos.JPG|Monastery of the Apocalypse - Inside the Cave

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Image:PatmosV.JPG|Monastery of the Apocalypse - View of Patmos from inside the Cave

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=== Caves of Kynops and Sykamia ===

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</gallery>

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See Main article: [[Kynops]]

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=== Monastery of the Annunciation ===

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''See Main article [[Monastery of the Annunciation (Patmos)|Monastery of the Annunciation]]''

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<!--- === List of Churches and Monasteries ===

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==See also==

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*[[Rock of Kynops (Patmos)|Rock of Kynops]], in the port of ''Skala''

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*[[Baptistry of John (Patmos)|Baptistry of John]], in the town of ''Skala''

The '''Theological School of Patmos''' was founded by the deacon ''Makarios Kalogeras'' in 1713 AD. It is situated on the hillside directly above the [[Monastery of the Apocalypse]]. The school was a spiritual legacy of St. [[Christodoulos of Patmos]] who included it in his original plans for Patmos island ... ''Read more in the main article:'' [[Theological School of Patmos]]

The Patriarchal Exarchate of Patmos consists of the entire Island of Patmos (Greek: Πάτμος), Leipso, Agathonesion and Arkioi and its constituent monasteries and churches. The exarchate is under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople in accordance with the Venerable Patriarchal and Synodical Act and Statute 1155/81. Patmos island is also referred to as the Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea, since it is the island of ascetic austerity and is a UNESCO World Heritage site [1]. The Patriarchal Exarch and Abbot of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian is His Grace Archimandrite Andipas Nikitaras.

History

Patmos is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese and is populated with churches and communities of Orthodox Christians. During the period of Roman rule, the island fell into a decline. The population decreased, and the island became a place for banishing criminals or political and religious troublemakers.

In 95 AD, St. John the Theologian was sent into exile on the island as a religious troublemaker. He remained on the island for eighteen months during which he lived in a cave below a known temple, at the time, dedicated to Diana. In this cave, he narrated a vision he was having of Jesus that is the Book of Revelation which describes the details of the Apocalypse but is more a description about the "the Church" - outside of time. Revelation was also written as an exhortation to the Christian believers to stay true to their faith during the persecutions near the end of the first century.[2]

In 313 AD, Christianity was recognised by the Roman Empire and this also spread to the Dodecanesse. The empire of the Byzantium exercised control of Patmos and the other islands and by the 4th century the temple to Diana had been removed. Directly over this temple a church dedicated to St. John the Theologian was built but this was destroyed later between the 6th and 9th centuries during a series of raids by various Arab groups.

The island remained deserted until 1088, when the Emperor granted Patmos to the monk Christodoulos. His intention was to establish a monastery and build this monastery over the remains of the little church built over the remains of a temple dedicated to Diana. The monastery has since been in continuous operation for over 900 years.

During the 11th and 12th centuries, the island of Patmos was also subject to raids by Saracen and Norman pirates, which were the catalyst for building the fortified walls surrounding the monastery, giving it the modern day castle-like appearance. The small town (Chora) within the "castle" was probably established during the middle of the 17th century and has a labyrinth style street arrangement. [3]

During the Turco-Italian War of 1912, Patmos was captured and controlled by the Italians. The island remained under their control until the end of World War II, when it was returned to Greece.

The whole island is dominated by the two monasteries, built in his honour and memory, and Chora, the island’s historic center, are all declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 2006.

The God-Trodden island

The tradition of the church holds, that the Lord himself stepped foot on the island of Patmos using the following account as reference:

In the Book of the Revelation (Apocalypse, Chapter 1:12-18) a detailed description of the appearance of Christ in His glory is given by the Apostle ... "His countenance was as the sun shineth in its strength" (Rev. 1, 16). St. John continutes by describing his actions to this ... "he fell at His feet as dead" (Rev. 1, 17)

For the church, this proves that Christ's feet were touching the floor of the cave for if it had been a vision in heaven, he would not have been able to fall at His feet. This wondrous bodily presence of the Lord in the cave is reason ascribed to the great earthquake that made the rock in the Cave of the Apocalypse split in three forming a witness to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

To the church, this is the only location in Europe that God has walked making it the most sacred destination in Europe, followed by Mount Athos.

Folklore

The ship that turned to stone

According to popular belief, if one looks across the water from the Monastery of St. John on a clear day, it is possible to see a rock standing alone in the middle of the sea. The rock looks like an overturned ship with its keel facing up towards the sky.

During the time that the righteous Christodoulos was building the monastery, a pirate ship approached the island with evil intentions. Christodoulos prayed to God to save the island from the pirates, since they had no place to hide to protect themselves. God answered his prayers by capsizing the ship and turning it to stone. The island was saved, and the ship that turned to stone is still around to remind us of this miracle